Combined baling and compressing apparatus.



T. J. SMITH.

COMBINED BALING AND GOMPRESSING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION IILBD JUNE 15, 1911.

1,022,709. I Patented Apr. 9, 1912.

8 BHEETS-SHEBT 1.

him a k coLUMBIA PLANOGRAPH c0.,wAs)llNa1oN, D c.

T. J. SMITH.

COMBINED BALING AND GOMPRESSING APPARATUS.

Patented Apr. 9, 1912.

B SHEETS-SHEET 2.

APPLIOATION FILED JUNE 16, 1911.

SOLUMBIA FLANOGRAPH co., WASHINGTON, o. C-

T. J. SMITH. COMBINED BALING AND GOMPRESSING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED 311N315, 1911.

' Patented Apr. 9, 1912.

I 8 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

COLUMBIA PLANOGRAPH COHWASHINGTON. nv c.

T. J. SMITH.

COMBINED BALING AND commsssme APPARATUS.

Patented Apr. 9, 1912.

8 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 15, 1911 will" ml mlll' wi/bmmfeo 1; J01 J(Ina/'51,

\ 5331; y I I T. J. SMITH.

COMBINED BALINGAND commzssme APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 15, 1911.

1,022,709. Patented A r; 9, 1912.

8 SHEETS-S HEET 5.

I W! I WI,

COLUMBIA PLANOGRAPH co., WASHINGTON. D. c.

T. J. SMITH. COMBINED BALING AND GOMPEESSING APPARATUS.

Patentd Apr. 9, 1912.

8 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 15, 1911.

COLUMBIA PLANOflRA Pl-l co., WASHINGTON, D. c.

T.'J. SMITH.

COMBINED BALING AND GOMPRESSING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 15, 1911.

Patented Apr. 9, 1912.

8 SHEETS-SHEET 7.

H ih i T. J. SMITH.

COMBINED BALING AND GOMPRESSING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 15, 1911. 1 Patented Apr. 9, 1912.

8 SHEETS-SHEET 8.

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eOLuMBlA PLANOGRAPH 10., WASHINGTON, D c.

-TAYLOR 3'. SMITH, 0]? UNION CITY, GEORGIA.

COMBINED BALING AND COMPRESSING APPARATUS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 9, 1912.

Application filed June 15, 1911. Serial No. 633,255.

To all whom 2'2? may concern:

Be it known that I, TAYLOR J. SMITH, a citizen of the United States,residing at Union City, in the county of Campbell and State of Georgia,have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Combined Baling andCompressing Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in a combined baling andcompressing apparatus, an object being to provide an improvedconstruction of press box having an improved mechanism for operating theplaten, in connection with aremovable block normally positioned betweenthe platen and the plunger in the formation of the bale, and removedfrom such position when the bale is compressed.

A further object is to provide an improved car adapted to support theburlap for covering the bale, said car adapted to be moved across theupper end of the press box in placing the burlap in position, and

said car also operating as the compress head during the bale compressingoperation.

A further object is to provide improved means for feeding the lintcotton as it comes from the gin into the press box in the form of acontinuous wad or sheet, which is positioned in layers by means ofrelatively heavy rollers supported upon a reciprocating carriage, andmovable back and forth over the press box.

A. further object is to provide in connec tion with this improvedcarriage, an improved box-like chute having cotton feeding conveyerstherein, said chute being pivotally supported in position to receive thecotton from the gin, and direct it between the rolls of the saidcarriage.

A further object is to provide an improved construction of press boxhaving doors at sides and ends, with improved means for holding thedoors in operative or closed position, and enabling the side doors to belowered independently of the end .doors.

A, further object is to provide improved mechanism for" transmittingmotion from an engine to the platen operating plunger of the press box,which permits the platen to lower as the bale is formed in the pressbox, and which is operated to elevate the platen to compress the halo.

A further object is to provide an improved construction of carriagehaving rollers for evenly distributing and folding the sheet or bat ofcotton into the box, and provide improved means for compelling the rollswhich feed the cotton to always turn in the same direction, regardlessof the reciprocating motion of the carriage.

A further object is to provide an apparatus of this character supportingin its framework, two complete bale forming and compressing mechanisms,both of which communicate with a single conveyer conduit adapted to beconnected with a gin or battery of gins, and provide improved meanswhereby the cotton from the gin is directed into only one of saidmechanisms at a time, whereby in one mechanism the baling operation isbeing performed, and in the other the compressing, so that an operatoror operators may take care of all of the cotton from the gins withoutstopping the operation at any time.

A further object is to provide improved driving means for transmittingpower to the several operating means of the two independent mechanismsabove mentioned, and provide an improved arrangement of clutch and leverfor controlling the transmission from the driving means to bothmechanism operating means.

A further object is to provide an improved apparatus of this characterwhich takes care of the lint cotton from the gin, feeds it in layersbackwardly and forwardly in the press box, pressing downwardly theplaten as these layers accumulate, and pressing them upon a sheet ofburlap or other covering previously positioned in the box, said downwardmovement being resisted by upward pressure on the platen, so that cottonis formed in a relatively tight bale; then removing a block which isinterposed between the platen and the plunger; then positioning a secondstrip of covering material across the top of said box, and moving a carover the top of said box forming a pressure head on the box; thenoperating the plunger to move upwardly and compress the bale between theplaten and the said head, then opening the sides of the box; then tyingthe compressed bale, and next ejecting said bale.

lVith these and other objects in view, the invention consists in certainnovel features of construction and combinations and arrangements ofparts, as will be more fully hereinafter described and pointed out inthe claims.

In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1, is a view in side elevationpartly in section illustrating my improved apparatus.

Fig. 2, is a fragmentary sectional plan view of the left hand end of theapparatus shown in Fig. l to illustrate the power transmitting means.Fig. 3, is a view in vertical longitudinal section showing the parts inthe position illustrated in Fig. 1. Fig. 4, is 'a view in section on theline 4-4 of Fig. 1. Fig. 5, is a detail perspective view on an enlargedscale of the block 106. Fig. 6, is a view in section on the line 66 ofFig. 1. Fig. 7 is a detail perspective view of the platen 104. Fig. 8,is an enlarged fragmentary view in longitudinal section illustrating thepress box and car structure. Fig. 9, is a view in horizontal section onthe line 99 of Fig. 3. Fig. 10, is a fragmentary view in section on theline 1010 of Fig. 8. Fig. 11, is a view similar to Fig. 8, but showingthe press box in closed position and the cotton feeding carriage locatedover the box. Fig. 12, is a view in section on the line 1212 of Fig. 11.Fig. 13, is a view in vertical section illustrating the bale as it isformed in the box, and Fig. 14, is a similar view showing the bale afterit is compressed.

My improved apparatus is adapted to occupy two or more floors of abuilding, and by reference particularly to Fig. 1, it will be seen thatthe apparatus is arranged to project from the cellar or basement 1, upthrough the floor 2, while 3, 3, represent the walls of the building,and 4 the cement or other floor of the cellar, which acts as afoundation for the framework of the apparatus. This framework iscomposed of angle irons in so far as such is applicable, and consists ofa plurality of vertical columns 5 and 6. The columns 5 are at the endsof the apparatus, and are appreciably shorter than are the columns 6.The columns 6, eight in number, constitute the upright structuralsupport for my improved independent mechanisms, and also support attheir upper ends, a conduit 7 adapted to be connected to a gin orbattery of gins (not shown). To the vertical columns 5 and 6, parallelhorizontal chan nel bars 8 and 9 are secured, it being understood that apair of these channels are located at both sides of the apparatus, and

serve as supporting means for my improved car and carriages, as will behereinafter pointed out.

It is to be understood that I employ two bale forming and compressingmechanisms, which are precisely alike, one of such mechanisms beingoperated in advance of the other, but they are structurally alike, andthe description of one applies alike to both.

The floor 2, at points between the sets of uprights 6, is provided withrectangular openings 10 through which the plungers 11 project. Theseplungers consist of an upper horizontal head 11 connected by four posts12 with a vertically movable platform 13. This platform 13 is cut out atits corners to receive the uprights 6, and is provided with smallrollers 14 to run in the channels of the posts, and facilitate the easymovement of the plunger. It is to be understood that while these severalposts may be made in various ways, they are preferably composed ofchannel irons secured back to back, and this structure facilitates theemployment of the rollers 14, as the latter may run against the innerface of one of the flanges of each post. These rollers are supported inbrackets on cross bars 15, the latter being fixed to the under face ofplatform 13, and having the bifurcated brackets 16 secured to theirunder face as illustrated in Fig. 4.

The lower ends of the posts 6 are turned inwardly as shown at 17, andthese inwardly turned ends have brackets 18 fixed thereto. The brackets16 and 18 are connected by toggle links 19 at both sides of thestructure as seen in Fig. 4, and these toggle links 19 are connected bylinks 20 with crank pins 21 on a rotary disk 22. This disk 22 is mountedto turn on a shaft 23 supported in transverse bars 24 fixed to uprights6. One of these crank pins 21 is connected by a link 25 with the crosshead 26 of an engine. The engine cylinder indicated by the referencecharacter 27 represents a steam engine cylinder, the piston rod 28 ofwhich is connected to the cross head 26, and in controlling theoperation of the plunger, suitable valve mechanism not shown) must beemployed to regulate the flow of steam to the cylinder in accordancewith the work to be done as will be more fully hereinafter ex plained. g

The plunger 11, as above stated, moves vertically through the opening 10in floor 2, and moves vertically in my improved press box 29. This pressbox is secured to floor 2 by means of angle irons 30, and comprises fourwalls forming a box of an internal dimension corresponding to the sizeof the bale to be made. The upper portions of these walls constitutehinged gates 31, and ends 32. In other words, the upper portions of thewalls are connected to the main portions of the walls by hinges 33, andfor clearness of description, I shall hereinafter refer to these upperportions as gates which are to be let down to permit the ejection of thecompressed bale. Normally however, these gates are in a verticalposition, the end gates being held in a vertical position by means ofhooks 34 dependent from bars 9, and engaging eyes 35 on the end gates.The side gates are held in vertical position by means of hooks 36connected to the end gates, and positioned in eyes 37 on the side gates.This arrangement permits the side gates to be lowered while the endgates remain vertical, and to lightenthe structure, these gates arepreferably made of slats as shown.

To the lower flanges of channel bars 9, rack bars 38 are secured, and tothe upper flanges of channel bars 8, rack bars 39 are secured, and itwill be noted that the teeth of rack bars 33 project upwardly, while theteeth of rack bars 39 project downwardly. The rack bars 33 serve astracks or rails upon which my improved carriages 40 are supported, itbeing understood that a carriage is provided for each press box. Eachcarriage comprises a frame 41, which supports a horizontal series ofrelatively heavy rollers 42. All of these rolls are provided withtrunnions' 43, which project through the frame 41, and on the trunnionsof all of these rollers, save the two interme diate ones, gears 44 arefixed, and mesh with the racks 38. The intermediate rolls which arelocated directly below a hopper 45 secured on the carriage, are alsoprovided with gears 46, which mesh with the teeth of racks 38, but oneof said gears on each roll is idle, and turns loosely on the trunnionwhile the other is connected to the shaft by ratchet wheel 47 and pawls48.

In box 45, above the intermediate rolls 42, two rolls 47 are mounted,and these rolls have trunnions 48 which project through the box, and onetrunnion on each roll is provided with a loosely turning gear 49 to meshwith the upper rack 39, while the gear 50 on the opposite end isconnected by a ratchet 51 and pawl 52, with its trunnions. The purposeof this particular arrangement of ratchet connected gears and loosegears on the rolls 48 and the intermediate rolls 42, is renderedapparent when it is considered that these rolls serve to force the sheetcotton downwardly into the box, and they must always turn in a directionto feed the cotton. Hence, to permit this, each of these four rolls isprovided on one end with a loose gear and on the other end with aratchet connected gear, so that as the car riage is reciprocated, theseveral rollers which feed the cotton, will always turn in the properdirection to bring about such feed, and the other rollers 42 will assistthe intermediate rollers 42 in pressing the cotton downwardly into thebox against the pressure of the plunger. Any upward movement of thiscarriage is absolutely prevented by means of cross bars 102, which movebetween the bars 8 and 9. Crank shafts 53 are located at the ends of theapparatus, and I have illustrated these shafts as being supported inbrackets 54 connected to the walls of the building. These crank shaftsare connected by links 55 with the carriages 41, so that they serve toreciprocate the carriages while they are feeding the cotton into theboxes. The connection between these links and the carriages is such asto permit the disconnection of the link when it is desired to compressthe bale, and to illustrate this, attention is called to the right handside of Fig. 1, which shows one of these links disconnected.

7, represents a conduit which is adapted to be connected to a gin orbattery of gins, and through which the cotton is forced by pneumaticpressure. This conduit is provided above each of the boxes 29 with anopening 57, and an inclined partition'58 is fixed in the chute, andconnects with the wall of the opening 57 above the right hand box. Ahinged door 59 is adapted to close the opening 57 above the left handbox shown in Fig. 3, and when open, acts as an inclined partition todirect the cotton through said left hand opening, and when closedpermits the cotton to pass to the right hand opening. To operate thisdoor 59, the hinge pin 60 thereof constitutes a crank shaft which isconnected to a rod 61 adapted to be manually operated to move the door,and this rod is made with a hooked end 62 to engage over either of twopins 63 on one of the posts 6 to hold the door in either its open orclosed position.

To direct the cotton from conduit 7 into the box below, I employ pivotedchutes 64 which are made at their upper ends with slotted sideextensions 65, through which rods 66 connected to the conduit 7 project.This enables each chute, the lower end of which projects into its hopper45 below, to swing, and hinged guides 67 are connected to conduit 7, andproject into the upper ends of these chutes 64, so as to guide thecotton regardless of the angle of the chute. In both chutes, endlessapron conveyers 68 are supported on shafts 69, and the upper shafts 69are connected by intermeshing gears 70, so that the apron conveyers 68are compelled to move in a direction to positively feed the cottondownwardly. To drive these apron conveyers 68, sprocket wheels 71 arefixed to one of the shafts 69 of the respective chutes, and thesesprocket wheels 71 are connected by loose sprocket chains 72 withsprocket wheels 73 on the shafts 53 above referred to. To compel theseshafts 53 to turn together, they are both provided with pulleys 74, andthese pulleys 74 are connected by belts 75 with pulleys 76 oncountershafts 77. The countershafts 77 are supported in suitablebrackets 78 secured to the bottom of floor 2, and are provided withpulleys 79 which are connected by a belt 80, so that when one of theshafts 53 turns, the other must turn in unison, providing the pulley 74is locked to its shaft 53. The shaft 53 at the left hand end of Fig. 1,constitutes the drive shaft of the apparatus, and pulley 74 and sprocketwheel 73 are both mounted loosely on the shaft, and a clutch 81 keyed tothe shaft is adapted to lock either said pulley or said sprocket wheelto the shaft or to be moved to a position between them to prevent anypower transmission of the apparatus. This clutch 81 is operated by alever 82 which is manually moved to throw the different mechanisms intoand out of operation.

83 represents a car, the bottom 84 of which constitutes a pressure headfor both of the boxes, as will be hereinafter explained This car issupported upon two axles 85 having gears 86 thereon to run upon thelower racks 38, and the platform of this car projects between the bars 8and 9, so as to withstand the upward pressure on the car which takesplace when the car bottom is operating as a pressure head. Small angleirons 87 are secured to the platform, and are adapted to run against theupper flanges of the lower channel bars 9, so as to hold the car againstany lateral movement. On this car, brackets 88 are secured and sup porta shaft 89 having a roller or spool 90 thereon as shown particularly inFig. 10. On this roller or spool 90, a roll of burlap or other fabric 91is located, and is adapted to be fed off the roll to form a covering forthe bales as will be hereinafter described.

To move the car on its supporting racks 38, a hand lever 92 isfulcruined on the axle 85, and oscillates through a slot 93 in theplatform of the car. A star wheel 94 is fixed to the axle 85, and avertically movable rod 95 is supported in bearings 96 on the lever 92.This rod 95 is normally pressed downward by means of a spring 97 whichbears at one end against one of the bearings 96, and at its other endagainst a shoulder 98 on the rod. On the lower end of this rod, apivoted pawl 99 is located, and a fiat spring 100 presses this pawl intoengagement with the star wheel 94. The upper end of rod 96 is bentforming a handle 101, which is adapted to be operated so as to positionthe pawl to engage the star wheel, and drive the car in eitherdirection. In other words, to reverse the position of the parts, it issimply necessary to grasp the handle 101, draw the handle 95 upwardlyagainst the action of spring 97, and then turn the rod so that the pawlis positioned oppositely to the position shown in Fig. 8. Hence when thelever is oscillated, the car will be driven in the opposite direction.

To temporarily receive the burlap 91, hooks 103 are provided on theinner side gates 31, and this operation of laying the burlap will belater described.

In each box 29, a platen 104 is located and the downward movement ofthis platen is limited by bars 105 secured in the box at opposite sides.

106, represents a block, and this block is approximately the size of thecompressed bale to be made. Between the plunger and the platen in eachbox, one of these blocks 106 is normally positioned, and it is to beunderstood that the bars 105 are of sufficient depth to relieve theblocks 106 from any pressure of thecotton above when the platens 101reach their lowest position, and are supported on bars 105. WVhen inthis lowest position, blocks 106 are to be drawn outwardly into guides107 provided for the pur pose, and to facilitate this withdrawal, eachblock is provided in one end with a recess 108 across which a rod 109projects, and is adapted to be grasped by the hand, or by any suitablehook (not shown) to drawthe block from under the platen. The block 106therefore serves as a spacing device bet-ween the plunger and the platen104, so as to enable the plunger in its normal movement to bring theplaten to the upper surface of the box, and allow the cotton to beuniformly pressed thereon as the platen moves clownwardly. When theblock is removed and the plunger again makes its normal movement, itwill compress the bale into the size of the block which is theprescribed size of a bale. Platen 104 and the bottom 84 of car 83, aremade with grooves 110 for the accommodation of a wire or other binder(not shown) to tie the bale together. To facilitate the feeding of theburlap from the car into position in or over the boxes, rollers 111 aresupported in suitable brackets 112 on the ends of the car, and theserollers serve to pre vent wrinkling the burlap, and insure a smoothfeed.

In order to obtain a nice adjustment of the movement imparted to theplaten during its operation, the connection between links 20 and thetoggle links 16 is made adjustable, a simple structure being illustratedin which the cross rod 113 connecting the toggle links at opposite sidesis made with an opening through which the reduced end 114 of links 20project, and this reduced end 114 is screw-threaded for the reception ofnuts 115, which are screwed thereon, and lock the parts at variousadjustments.

The operation is as follows: It is to be understood as above stated,that two mechanisms are employed for baling and compressing, but theyoperate one ahead of the other. To distinguish these differentmechanisms, I shall refer to one as the right hand mechanism, and one asthe left hand mechanism, particular reference being had to Figs. 1 and3. In the position shown in Figs. 1, and 3, the right hand mechanism hascompleted its compressing operation, while the left hand mechanism isjust completing the baling operation, or in other words, has just forcedthe platen 104 to its lowest position. As the right hand apparatus hascompleted its full operation, I will describe the same as it begins anew operation. Door 59 is closed, and the cotton passes through conduit7 into chute 6 1, car 83 having been pre- "iously moved. to anintermediate position between the two mechanisms so as to allow thecarriage 41 to move backward in operative position over the right handbox, and bring with it the right hand chute 6%, so that the cotton isdirected by said chute 64:, and its apron conveyer 68, into hopper 4:5.It will be noted that in this right hand mechanism, the platen 104 is inits highest position, and the gates 31 must be swung upwardly andsecured in vertical posit-ion as shown in Fig. 11. As the cotton passesthrough the chute between the rolls 4L7 and 42, it will be fed in asheet or thin layer upon the platen, and will be mashed down on theplaten by means of the rollers 12, as the carriage 411 is movedbackwardly and forwardly by means of the link 55 and crank shaft 53.However, before any cotton is permitted to enter the box, the car 83 ismoved so as to position a strip of burlap 116 across the upper end ofthe box, the hooks 103 being utilized to temporarily catch one end ofthe burlap, while the car moves over the box, and after the burlap iscut, this end is disconnected from the hooks, so that the burlap mayfeed downwardly in the box as the bale is formed, as shown in Fig. 13.The downward movement of platen 101- is resisted by the plunger 11, andit is to be understood that block 106 is located between the platen 1041and the plunger 11. To control this resistance, suitable valve mechanismconnected with the engine 27 must be operated, so that the steampressure is suflicient to require considerable pressure of the cotton tomove the platen downwardly. Vhen the platen is moved as far downwardlyas itwill go as shown in Fig. 13, the block 106 will be drawn outwardlyfrom between platen 104 and the plunger. Car 83 will then be operated tolay a strip of burlap over the upper end of the box, and to do this car83 pushes the right hand carriage outwardly as shown in Fig. 3, and atthe same time, the operator disconnects the link 55 so that thiscarriage remains at a standstill.

lVhen car 83 is over the box, the bottom of this car operates as apressure head. Full pressure is then brought to bear upon the plunger bymeans of its engine to move the plunger upwardly until it engages theplaten 104, and a continued upward movement compresses the bale as shownin Fig. 1 1 to a thickness approximating the thickness of the block 106.When the bale is fully compressed, the side gates 31 are dropped, andthe bale tied in any suitable manner. I preferably tie my bale withwire, but this invention is not limited to any particular way of tyingthe bale. hen the halo is tied, the plunger is lowered, and the baleremoved, when the parts will again be in the position shown at the rightof Fig. 3.

This structure is adapted to be operated continuously, one mechanismbeing sufficiently ahead of the other to allow one to be attended to inits compressing operation, while the other is forming a bale, and anapparatus of this kind will care for the output of a large battery ofgins. This structure is adapted to occupy a large portion of thebuilding, and to facilitate communication, a ladder 117 is shown, whichconnects the basement wit-l1 an opening 118 in floor 2, and othersuitable means may be provided to facilitate the operation of the parts.To limit the downward movement of the plunger, cross bars 119 aresecured to the uprights 6, and are engaged by and support the platform13 in its lowest position. When in this position, the plunger headregisters with the bottom of guide 107, so that block 106 may be easilydrawn out into the guide.

Various slight changes might be made in the general form and arrangementof parts described without departing from my invention, and hence I donot limit myself to the precise details set forth, but consider myselfat liberty to make such changes and alterations as fairly fall withinthe spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent is:

1. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with apress box, of a pressure head adapted to be positioned in the top ofsaid box, a plunger movable up through the bottom of said box, a platenin the box, and a removable block interposed between the platen and theplunger,substantially as described.

2. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with apress box, of a pressure head adapted to be positioned in the top ofsaid box, a plunger movable up through the bottom of said box, a platenin the box, a removable block interposed between the platen and theplunger, said block of a size corresponding to the size of the bale whencompressed, substantially as described.

3. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with apress box, 1

of a pressure head adapted to be positioned in the top of the box, aplunger movable up through the bottom of said box, a plate in the box, aremovable block interposed between the platen and the plunger, barsprojecting into the box and adapted to support the platen in its lowestposition, and enable the removal of the block, substantially asdescribed.

4. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with apress box, of a pressure head adapted to be positioned in the top'ofsaid box, a plunger movable up through the bottom of said box, a platenin the box, a removable block interposed between the platen and theplunger, said block of a size corresponding to the size of the bale whencompressed, bars projecting into the box and adapted to support theplaten in 1ts lowest position, and enable the removal of the block,substantially as described.

5. In an apparatus of the character de scribed, the combination with apress box, of a pressure head adapted to be positioned in the top ofsaid box, a plunger movable up through the bottom of said box, a platenin the box, a removable block interposed between the platen and theplunger, said box having an opening therein, a guide registering withsaid opening and into whlch said block is adapted to be moved when drawnout of the box, substantially as described.

6. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with apress box, of a pressure head adapted to be positioned in the top ofsaid box, a plunger movable up through the bottom of said box, a platenin the box, a removable block interposed between the platen and theplunger, said block of a size corresponding to the size of the bale whencompressed, said box having an opening therein, a guide registering withsaid opening and into which said block is adapted to be moved when drawnout of the box, substantially as described.

7. In an apparatus of the character de scribed, the combination with apress box, of a pressure head adapted to be positloned in the top of thebox, a plunger movable up through the bottom of said box, a plate 1n thebox, a removable block interposed between the platen and the plunger,bars projecting into the box and adapted to support the platen in itslowest position, and enable the removal of the block, said box having anopening therein, a guide registering with said opening and into whichsaid block 1s adapted to be moved when drawn out of the box,substantially as described.

8. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with apress box, of a pressure head adapted to be positioned in the top ofsaid box, a plunger movable up through the bottom of said box, a platenin the box, a removable block interposed between the platen and theplunger, said block of a size corresponding to the size of the bale whencompressed, bars projecting into the box and adapted to support theplaten in its lowest position, and enable the re moval of the block,said box having an open ing therein, a guide registering with saidopening and into which said block is adapted to be moved when drawn outof the box, substantially as described.

9. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with apress box, of a pressure head adapted to be positioned in the top ofsaid box, a plunger movable up through the bottom of said box, a platenin the box, a removable block interposed between the platen and. theplunger, said block having a recessed end, and a rod extending acrosssaid recess, substantially as described.

10. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with apress box, of a pressure head adapted to be positioned in the top ofsaid box, a plunger movable up through the bottom of said box, a platenin the box, a removable block interposed between the platen and theplunger, said block of a size corresponding to the size of the bale whencompressed, said block having a recessed end, and a rod extending acrosssaid recess, substantially as described.

11. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with apress box, of a pressure head adapted to be positioned in the top of thebox, a plunger movable up through the bottom of said box, a platen inthe box, a removable block interposedbetween the platen and the plunger,bars projecting into the box and adapted to support the platen in itslowest position, and'enable the removal of the block, said block havinga recessed end, and a rod extending across said recess, substantially asdescribed.

12. In an apparatus of thecharacter described, the combination with apress box, of a pressure head adapted to be positioned in the top ofsaid box, a plunger movable up through the bottom of said box, a platenin the box, a removable block interposed between the platen and theplunger, said block of a size corresponding to the size of the bale whencompressed, bars projecting into the box and adapted to support theplaten in its lowest position, and enable the removal of the block, saidblock having a recessed end, and a rod extending across said recess,substantially as described.

13. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with apress box, of a pressure head adapted to be positioned in the top ofsaid box, a plunger movable up through the bottom of said box, a platenin the box, a removable block interposed between the platen and theplunger, said box having an opening therein, a guide registering withsaid opening and into which said block is adapted to be moved when drawnout of the box, said block having a recessed end, and a rod extendingacross said recess, substantially as described.

14:. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with apress box, of a pressure head adapted to be positioned in the top ofsaid box, a plunger movable up through the bottom of said box, a platenin the box, a removable block interposed between the platen and theplunger, said block of a size corresponding to the size of the bale whencompressed, said box having an opening therein, a guide registering withsaid opening and into which said block is adapted to be moved when drawnout of the box, said block having a recessed end, and a rod extendingacross said recess, substantially as described.

15. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with apress box, of a pressure head adapted to be positioned in the top of thebox, a plunger movable up through the bottom of said box, a plate in thebox, a removable block interposed between the platen and the plunger,bars proj ecting into the box and adapted to support the platen in itslowest position, and enable the removal of the block, said box having anopening therein, a guide registering with said opening and into whichsaid block is adapted to be moved when drawn out of the box, said blockhaving a recessed end, and a rod extending across said recess,substantially as described.

16. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with apress box, of a pressure head adapted to be positioned in the top ofsaid box, a plunger movable up through the bottom of said box, a platenin the box, a removable block interposed between the platen and theplunger, said block of a size corresponding to the size of the bale whencompressed, bars projecting into the box and adapted to support theplaten in its lowest position, and enable the removal of the block, saidbox having an opening therein, a guide registering with said opening andinto which said block is adapted to be moved when drawn out of the box,said block having a recessed end, and a rod extending across saidrecess, substantially as described.

17 In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with asupporting -framework, of a press box secured in said framework, hingedgates constituting the upper portion of said box, a platen in said. box,a vertically movable plunger adapted to raise and lower said platen,horizontal racks secured to the framework, a carriage, horizontalrollers supported in said carriage, gears on said rollers mounted tomove on the racks, a hopper on the carriage above certain of said rolls,other rolls in said hopper, gears on the last-mentioned rolls, racks onthe frame meshing with the last -mentioned gears, ratchet mechanismconnecting the gears of the rolls beneath the hopper and of the rolls inthe hopper,

with the respective racks, whereby when said carriage is reciprocated,said rolls will move in a direction to feed the cotton downwardly intothe box, and means for re-' ciprocating said carriage, substantially asdescribed.

18. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with asupporting framework, of a press box secured in said framework, hingedgates constituting the upper portion of said box, a platen in said box,a vertically movable plunger adapted to raise and lower said platen,horizontal racks secured to the framework, a carriage, horizontalrollers supported in said carriage, gears on said rollers mounted tomove on the racks, a hopper on the carriage above certain of said rolls,other rolls in said hopper, gears on the last-mentioned rolls, racks onthe frame meshing with the last-mentioned gears, ratchet mechanismconnecting the gears of the rolls beneath the hopper and of the rolls inthe hop per, with the respective racks, whereby when said carriage isreciprocated, said rolls will move in a direction to feed the cottondownwardly into the box, a crank shaft, a link connecting said crankshaft with said carriage, and said link adapted to be disconnected fromsaid carriage when the latter is moved from over the box, substantiallyas described.

19. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with asupporting framework, of a press box secured in said framework, hingedgates constituting the upper portion of said box, a platen in said box,a vertically movable plunger adapted to raise and lower said platen,horizontal racks secured to the framework, a carriage, horizontalrollers supported in said carriage, gears on said rollers mounted tomove on the racks, a hopper on thecarriage above certain of said rolls,other rolls in said hopper, gears on the last-mentioned rolls, racks onthe frame meshing with the last-mentioned gears, ratchet mechanismconnecting the gears of the rolls beneath the hopper and of the rolls inthe hopper, with the respective racks, whereby when said carriage isreciprocated, said rolls will move in a direction to feed the cottondownwardly into the box, means for reciprocating said carriage, aconduit supported on the framework and adapted to receive lint cotton, achute pivotally supported on said conduit and projected into the hopper,and conveyers in said chute directing the cotton downwardly between therolls, substantially as described.

20. In an apparatus of the character de scribed, the combination with asupporting framework, of a press box secured in said framework, hingedgates contituting the upper portion of said box, a platen in said box, avertically movable plunger adapted to raise and lower said platen,horizontal racks secured to the framework, a carriage, horizontalrollers supported in said carriage, gears on said rollers mounted tomove on the racks, a hopper on the carriage above certain of said rolls,other rolls in said hop per, gears on the last-mentioned rolls, racks onthe frame meshing with the last-mentioned gears, ratchet mechanismconnecting the gears of the rolls beneath the hopper and of the rolls inthe hopper, with the respective racks, whereby when said carriage isreciprocated, said rolls will move in a di rection to feed the cottondownwardly into the box, a crank shaft, a link connecting said crankshaft with said carriage, and said link adapted to be disconnected fromsaid carriage when the latter is moved from over the box, a conduitsupported on the framework and adapted to receive lint cotton, a chutepivotally supported on said conduit and projected into the hopper, andconveyers in said chute directing the cot ton downwardly between therolls, substantially as described.

21. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with asupporting framework, of a press box secured in said framework, hingedgates constituting the upper portion of said box, a platen in said box,a vertically movable plunger adapted to raise and lower said platen,horizontal racks secured to the framework, a carriage, horizontalrollers supported in said carriage, gears on said rollers mounted tomove on the racks, a hopper on the carriage above certain of said rolls,other rolls in said hopper, gears on the last-mentioned rolls, racks onthe frame meshing with the lastmentioned gears, ratchet mechanismconnecting the gears of the rolls beneath the hopper and of the rolls inthe hopper, with the respective racks, whereby when said carriage -isreciprocated, said rolls will move in a direction to feed the cottondownwardly into the box, means for reciprocating said carriage, a carconstructed to support a roll of bale covering material, axlessupporting the car, gears on said car mounted on the firstmentionedracks, the bottom of said car constituting a pressure head, and meansfor moving said car to force the carriage from over the box and positionthe pressure head over the top of the box, substantially as de scribed.

22. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with asupporting framework, of a press box secured in said framework, hingedgates constituting the upper portion of said box, a platen in said box,a vertically movable plunger adapted to raise and lower said platen,horizontal racks secured to the framework, a carriage, horizontalrollers suppprted in said carriage, gears on said rollers mounted tomove on the racks, a hopper on the carriage above certain of said rolls,other rolls in said hopper, gears on the last-mentioned rolls, racks onthe frame meshing with the last-mentioned gears, ratchet mechanismconnecting the gears of the rolls beneath the hopper and of the rolls inthe hopper, with the respective racks, whereby when said carriage isreciprocated, said rolls will move in a direction to feed the cottondownwardly into the box, a crank shaft, a link connecting said crankshaft with said carriage, and said link adapted to be disconnected fromsaid carriage when the latter is moved from over the box, a carconstructed to support a roll of bale covering material, axlessupporting the car, gears on said car mounted on the first-mentionedracks, the bottom of said car constituting a pressure head, and meansfor moving said car to force the carriage from over the box and positionthe pressure head over the top of the box, substantially as described.

23. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with asupporting framework, of a press box secured in said framework, hingedgates constituting the upper portion of said box, a platen in said box,a vertically movable plunger adapted to raise and lower said platen,horizontal racks secured to the framework, a carriage, horizontalrollers supported in said carriage, gears on said rollers mounted tomove on the racks, a hopper on the carriage above certain of said rolls,other rolls in said hopper, gears on the last-mentioned rolls, racks onthe frame meshing with the last-mentioned gears, ratchet mechanismconnecting the gears of the rolls beneath the hopper and of the rolls inthe hopper, with the respective racks, whereby when said carriage isreciprocated, said rolls will move in a direction to feed the cottondownwardly into the box, means for reciprocating said carriage, aconduit supported on the framework and adapted to receive lint cotton, achute pivotally supported on said conduit and pro jected into thehopper, and conveyers in said chute directing the cotton downwardlybetween the rolls, a car constructed to support a roll of bale coveringmaterial, axles supporting the car, gears on said car mounted on thefirstmentioned racks, the bottom of said car constituting a pressurehead, and means for moving said car to force the carriage from over thebox and position the pressure head over the top of the box,substantially as described.

24. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with asupporting framework, of a press box secured in said framework, hingedgates constituting the upper portion of said box, a platen in said box,a vertically movable plunger adapted to raise and lower said platen,horizontal racks secured to the framework, a carriage, horizontalrollers supported in said carriage, gears on said rollers mounted tomove on the racks, a hopper on the carriage above certain of said rolls,other rolls in said hopper, gears on the last-mentioned rolls, racks onthe frame meshing with the last-mentioned gears, ratchet mechanismconnecting the gears of the rolls beneath the hopper and of the rolls inthe hopper, with the respective racks, whereby when said carriage isreciprocated, said rolls will move in a direction to feed the cottondownwardly into the box, a crank shaft, a link connecting said crankshaft with said carriage, and said link adapted to be disconnected fromsaid carriage when the latter is moved from over the box, a conduitsupported on the framework and adapted to receive lint cotton, a chutepivotally supported on said conduit and projected into the hopper, andconveyers in said chute directing the cotton downwardly between therolls, a car constructed to support a roll of bale covering material,axles supporting the car, gears on said car mounted on thefirst-mentioned racks, the bottom of said car constituting a pressurehead, and means for moving said car to force the carriage from over thebox and position the pressure head over the top of the box,substantially as described.

25. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with asupporting framework, of a press box secured in said framework, hingedgates constituting the upper portion of said box, a platen in said box,a vertically movable plunger adapted to raise and lower said platen,horizontal racks secured to the framework, a carriage,

horizontal rollers supported in said carriage,

gears on said rollers mounted to move on the racks, a hopper on thecarriage above certain of said rolls, other rolls in said hopper, gearson the last-mentioned rolls, racks on the frame meshing with thelast-mentioned gears, ratchet mechanism connecting the gears of therolls beneath the hopper and of the rolls in the hopper, with therespective racks, whereby when said carriage is reciprocated, said rollswill move in a direction to feed the cotton downwardly into the box,means for reciprocating said carriage, a car constructed to support aroll of bale covering material, axles supporting the car, gears on saidcar mounted on the first-mentioned racks, the bot-tom of said carconstituting a pressure head, a star wheel on one of said axles, a leverfulcrumed on the axle, a downwardly spring-pressed rod mounted on thelever, a spring-pressed pawl on the lower end of the rod engaging thestar wheel, and acrank handle on the upper end of said rod adapted to bemoved to swing the pawl so as to engage the star wheel from either side,and cont-r01 the direction of motion of the car as the lever isreciprocated, substantially as described.

26. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with asupporting framework, of a press box secured in said framework, hingedgates constituting the upper portion of said box, a platen in said box,a vertically movable plunger adapted to raise and lower said platen,horizontal racks secured to the framework, a carriage, horizontalrollers supported in said carriage, gears on said rollers mounted tomove on the racks, a hopper on the carriage above certain of said rolls,other rolls in said hopper, gears on the last-mentioned rolls, racks ionthe frame meshing with the last-menj tioned gears, ratchet mechanismconnecting 5 the gears of the rolls beneath the hopper and of the rollsin the hopper, with the respective racks, whereby when said carriage isreciprocated, said rolls will move in a direction to feed the cottondownwardly into the box, a crank shaft, a link connecting said crankshaft with said carriage, and said link adapted to be disconnected fromsaid carriage when the latter is moved from over the box, a carconstructed to support a roll of bale covering material, axlessupporting the car, gears on said car mounted on the first-mentionedracks, the bottom of said car constituting a pressure head, a star wheelon one of said axles, a lever fulcrumed on the axle, a downwardlyspring-pressed rod mounted on the lever, a spring-pressed pawl on thelower end of the rod engaging the star Wheel, and a crank handle ontheupper end of said rod adapted to be moved to swing the pawl so as toengage the star wheel from either side, and control the direction ofmotion of the car as the lever is reciprocated, substantially asdescribed.

27. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with asupporting framework, of a press box secured in said framework, hingedgates constituting the upper portion of said box, a platen in said box,a vertically movable plunger adapted to raise and lower said platen,horizontal racks secured to the framework, a carriage, horizontalrollers supported in said carriage, gears on said rollers mounted tomove on the racks, a hopper on the carriage above certain of said rolls,other rolls in said hopper, gears on the last-mentioned rolls, racks onthe frame meshing with the last-mentioned gears, ratchet mechanismconnecting the gears of the rolls beneath the hopper and of the rolls inthe hopper, with the respective racks, whereby when said carriage isreciprocated, said rolls will move in a direction to feed the cottondownwardly into the box, means for reciprocating said carriage, aconduit supported on the framework and adapted to receive lint cotton, achute pivotally supported on said conduit and projected into the hopper,and conveyers in said chute directing the cotton downwardly between therolls, a car constructed to support a roll of bale covering material,axles supporting the car, gears on said car mounted on thefirst-mentioned racks, the bottom of said car constituting a pressurehead, a star wheel on one of said axles, a lever fulcrumed on the axle,a downwardly springpressed rod mounted on the lever, a springpressedpawl on the lower end of the rod engaging the star wheel, and a crankhandle on the upper end of said rod adapted to be moved to swing thepawl so as to engage the star wheel from either side, and control thedirection of motion of the car as the lever is reciprocated,substantially as described.

28. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with asupporting framework, of a press box secured in said framework, hingedgates constituting the upper portion of said box, a platen in said box,a vertically movable plunger adapted to raise and lower said platen,horizontal racks secured to the framework, a carriage, horizontalrollers supported in said carriage, gears on said rollers mounted tomove on the racks, a hopper on the carriage above certain of said rolls,other rolls in said hopper, gears on the last-mentioned rolls, racks onthe frame meshing with the last-men tioned gears, ratchet mechanismconnecting the gears of the rolls beneath the hopper and of the rolls inthe hopper, with the respective racks, whereby when said carriage isreciprocated, said rolls will move in a direction to feed the cottondownwardly into the box, a crank shaft, a link connecting said crankshaft with said carriage, and said link adapted to be disconnected fromsaid carriage when the latter is moved from over the box, a conduitsupported on the framework and adapted to receive lint cotton, a chutepivotally supported on said conduit and projected into the hopper, andconveyers in said chute directing the cotton downwardly between therolls, a car constructed to support a roll of bale covering material,axles supporting the car, gears on said car mounted on thefirst-mentioned racks, the bottom of said car constituting a pressurehead, a star wheel on one of said axles, a lever fulcrumed on the axle,a downwardly spring-pressed rod mounted on the lever, a spring-pressedpawl on the lower end of the rod engaging the star wheel, and a crankhandle on the upper end of said rod adapted to be moved to swing thepawl so as to engage the star wheel from either side, and control thedirection of motion of the car as the lever is reciprocated,substantially as described.

29. In an apparatus of the character de scribed, the combination with astructural framework, of two press boxes supported in the framework,platens in said boxes, independently operated plungers movable throughthe bottom of said boxes, removable blocks adapted to be interposedbetween the plungers and the platens during the forma tion of the bales,and removed during the compressing action, reciprocating carriages abovethe boxes, rollers on said carriages adapted to feed and press thecotton in layers upon the platens when the plungers are in their highestposition, and form the bales against the resistance of the plungers asthe latter are forced downwardly, and means exerting upward pressure onthe plungers, sub stantially as described.

30. In an apparatus of the character de scribed, the combination with astructural framework, of two press boxes supported in the framework,platens in said boxes, inclependently operated plungers movable throughthe bottom of said boxes, removable blocks adapted to beinterposedbetween the plungers and the platens during the formation ofthe bales, and removed during the compressing action, reciprocatingcarriages above the boxes, rollers on said carriages adapted to feed andpress the cotton in layers upon the platens when the plungers are intheir highest position, and form the bales against the resistance of theplungers as the latter are forced downwardly, toggle levers connectedwith said plungers, crank wheels, links connecting the toggle levers andthe crank wheels, steam engines, cross heads 0perated by said steamengines, and links connecting said cross heads with said crank wheels,substantially as described.

31. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with astructural framework, of two press boxes supported in the framework,platens in said boxes, independently operated plungers movable throughthe bottom of said boxes, removable blocks adapted to be interposedbetween the plungers and the platens during the formation of the bales,and removed during the compressing action, reciprocating carriages abovethe boxes, rollers on said carriages adapted to feed and press thecotton in layers upon the platens when the plungers are in their highestposition, and form the bales against the resistance of the plungers asthe latter are forced downwardly, means exerting upward pressure on theplungers, a cotton feeding conduit supported on the framework and havingopenings above the boxes, and a hinged door in said conduit regulatingthe feed into the boxes, substantially as described.

82. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with astructural framework, of two press boxes supported in the framework,platens in said boxes,

independently operated plungers movable through the bottom of saidboxes, removable blocks adapted to be interposed between the plungersand the platens during the formation of the bales, and removed duringthe compressing action, reciprocating carriages above the boxes, rollerson said carriages adapted to feed and press the cotton in layers uponthe platens when the plungers are in their highest position, and formthe bales against the resistance of the plungers as the latter areforced downwardly, means exerting upward pressure on the plungers, acotton feeding conduit supported on the framework and having openingsabove the boxes, a hinged door in said conduit regulating the feed intothe boxes, chutes pivoted to the conduit and projecting over thecarriages, and directing cotton from the conduit to the carriages,substantially as described.

33. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with astructural framework, of two press boxes supported in the framework,platens in said boxes, independently operated plungers movable throughthe bottom of said boxes, removable blocks adapted to be interposed between the plungers and the platens during the formation of the bales,and removed during the compressing action, reciprocating carriages abovethe boxes, rollers on said carriages adapted to feed and press thecotton in layers upon the platens when the plungers are in their highestposition, and form the bales against the resistance of the plungers asthe latter .are forced downwardly, means exerting upward pressure on theplungers, a cotton feeding conduit supported on the framework and havingopenings above the boxes, a hinged door in said conduit regulating thefeed into the boxes, a car movable between the carriages and adapted topush them from over the boxes, the bottom of said car constituting apressure head, substantially as described.

34. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with astructural framework, of two press boxes supported in the framework,platens in said boxes, independently operated plungers movable throughthe bottom of said boxes, removable blocks adapted to be interposedbetween the plungers and the platens during the formation of the bales,and removed during the compressing action, reciprocating carriages abovethe boxes, rollers on said carriages adapted to feed and press thecotton in layers upon the platens when the plungers are in their highestposition, and form the bales against the resistance of the plungers asthe latter are forced downwardly, means exerting upward pressure on theplungers, a cotton feeding conduit supported on the framework and havingopenings above the boxes, a hinged door in said conduit regulating thefeed into the boxes, chutes pivoted to the conduit and projecting overthe carriages, and directing cotton from the conduit to the carriages, acar movable between the carriages and adapted to push them from over theboxes, the bottom of said car constituting a pressure head,substantially as described.

35. In an apparatus of the character de ,scribed, the combination with astructural framework, of two press boxes supported in 'the framework,platens in sald boxes, 1n

dependently operated plungers movable through the bottom of said boxes,removable blocks adapted to be interposed between the plungers and theplatens during the formation of the bales, and removed during thecompressing action, reciprocating carriages above the boxes, rollers onsaid carriages adapted to feed and press the cotton in layers upon theplatens when the plungers are in their highest position, and form thebales against the resistance of the plungers as the'latter are forceddownwardly, means exerting upward pressure on the plungers, a cottonfeeding conduit supported on the framework and having openings above theboxes, a hinged door in said conduit regulating the feed into the boxes,hinged gates connected to the conduit and projecting downwardly into thechutes, apron conveyers in said chutes, and means for reciprocating saidcarriages and transmitting motion to said conveyers, substantially asdescribed.

36. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with astructural framework, of two press boxes supported in the framework,platens in said boxes, independently operated plungers movable throughthe bottom of said boxes, removable blocks adapted to be interposedbetween the plungers and the platens during the formation of the bales,and removed during the compressing action, reciprocating carriages abovethe boxes, rollers on said carriages adapted to feed and pressthe cottonin layers upon the platens when the plungers are in their highestposition, and form the bales against the resistance of the plungers asthe latter are forced downwardly, means exerting upward pressure on theplungers, a cotton feeding conduit supported on the framework and havingopenings above the boxes, a hinged door in said conduit regulating thefeed into the boxes, chutes pivoted to the conduit and projecting overthe carriages, and directing cotton from the conduit to the carriages,hinged gates connected to the conduit and projecting downwardly into thechutes, apron conveyers in said chutes, and means for reciprocating saidcarriages and transmitting motion to said conveyers, substantially asdescribed.

37. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with astructural framework, of two press boxes supported in the framework,platens in said boxes, independently operated plungers movable throughthe bottom of said boxes, removable blocks adapted to be interposedbetween the plungers and the platens during the formation of the bales,and removed during the compressing action, reciprocating carriages abovethe boxes, rollers on said carriages adapted to feed and press thecotton in layers upon the platens when the plungers are in their highestposition, and form the bales against the resistance of the plungers asthe latter are forced downwardly, means exerting upward pressure on theplungers, a cotton feeding conduit sup ported on the framework andhaving openings above the boxes, a hinged door in said conduitregulating the feed into the boxes, a car, movable between the carriagesand adapted to push them from over the boxes, the bottom of said carconstituting a pres sure head, hinged gates connected to the conduit andprojecting downwardly into the chutes, apron conveyers in said chutes,and means for reciprocating said carriages and transmitting motion tosaid conveyers, substantially as described.

38. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with astructural framework, of two press boxes supported in the framework,platens in said boxes, independently operated plungers movable throughthe bottom of said boxes, removable blocks adapted to be interposedbetween the plungers and the platens during the formation of the bales,and removed during the compressing action, reciprocating carriages abovethe boxes, rollers on said carriages adapted to feed and press thecotton in layers upon the platens when the plungers are in their highestposition, and form the bales against the resistance of the plungers asthe latter are forced downwardly, means exerting upward pressure on theplungers, a cotton feeding conduit supported on the framework and havingopenings above the boxes, a hinged door in said conduit regulating thefeed into the boxes, chutes pivoted to the conduit and projecting overthe carriages, and directing cotton from the conduit to the carriages, acar movable between the carriages and adapted to push them from over theboxes, the bottom of said car constituting a pressure head, hinged gatesconnected to the conduit and projecting downwardly into the chutes,apron convey ers in said chutes, and means for reciprocating saidcarriages and transmitting motion to said conveyers, substantially asdescribed.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in thepresence of two subscribing witnesses.

TAYLOR J. SMITH.

Witnesses:

E. J. HAGNER, WV. M. ROGERS.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressingthe Commissioner of Patents. Washington, D. G.

